Ocean City, MD is an Angler’s Paradise

Experienced and beginner fishers alike flock to Ocean City year-round in search of the perfect catch! Whether you're looking for a mahi mahi, wahoo or tuna offshore - or hoping to wrestle with some bluefish, sheepshead or tautog inshore – this coastal paradise is teeming with diverse aquatic life just waiting for your line. Charter options are diverse ranging from family friendly ½ day trips to multi-day trips for the hard-core enthusiast, and everything in between. Ocean City also has numerous private charters (6-pack) that offer anglers a more intimate fishing experience.

Fancy casting a line for excitement and some serious cash prizes? From May to October, this destination offers some of the biggest and baddest tournaments in the water-world. With world-renowned tournaments like The White Marlin Open and the Ocean City Tuna Tournament, this seaside spot is a fisherman's honey hole. Catch your next big win at one of these tournaments ...it could pay off handsomely!

2023 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

APRIL
Apr 21-30: Captain Steve’s Flounder Tournament

MAY
May 27-28: 14th Annual OCMC Franky Pettolina Memorial Day Tournament

JUNE
Jun 2-4: 2nd Annual Blues for D.U. Bluefish Tournament
Jun 16-17: 3rd Annual Tuna & Tiaras
Jun 23-25: 8th Annual Kid’s-Catch-All Tournament at Indian River Marina
Jun 24-25: 44th Annual OCMC Small Boat Tournament
Jun 30-July 2: 41st Annual Ocean City Marlin Club Canyon Kick-Off

JULY
Jul 4: 5th Annual MidAtlantic Cup Blue Marlin Tournament
Jul 14-16: 36th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament
Jul 22-23: 19th Annual Ocean City Marlin Club Kid’s Classic
Jul 28-30: 10th Annual Big Fish Classic

AUGUST
Aug 4-5: 15th Annual OCMC Heels & Reels Tournament
Aug 5: 16th Annual Ocean Pines Chamber Flounder Tournament
Aug 7-11: 50th Annual White Marlin Open
Aug 17-19: 29th Annual Captain Steve Harman’s Poor Girl’s Open
Aug 21-25: 32nd Annual MidAtlantic Tournament

SEPTEMBER
Sept 1-3: 65th Annual OCMC Labor Day White Marlin Tournament
Sept 9: 22nd Annual Ocean City Fishing Center Annual Spot Tournament
Sept 10: 18th Annual Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder

OCTOBER
Oct 7-8: 7th Annual Ocean City Inshore Classic

Pier fishing is almost a rite of passage for any youngster new to the sport and a great low-cost way to get started. Some of the more common fish caught on Ocean City’s piers include striped bass (known in Maryland as rockfish), bluefish, flounder, croakers, shad and more.

With 7 amazing fishing piers, Ocean City is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day of angling! Some even have bait and tackle shops on-site so you can stock up before casting.

Ocean City, MD Fishing Piers
Oceanic Fishing Pier
Northside Park - “Fish Free” Zone
9th Street Pier
3rd Street Pier - “Fish Free” Zone
Inlet Park
OC Fishing Pier
Roland E. Powell Convention Center

Experience the natural beauty of the beach with a fun and calming activity - surf fishing! Listen for crashing waves, watch seabirds soar through the sky, and take in breathtaking tangerine sunsets. Ocean City offers excellent spots for this fun activity but remember not to cast within 50 yards while swimmers or people are on the shore between 10am-5:30pm and if on Assateague Island be sure it’s an unguarded beach outside designated surfing zones.

Anglers need to purchase a “Bay and Coastal Sport” saltwater fishing license. You can either choose a year-round or 7-day. This license will cover both the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal waters of Ocean City. If you already have a Chesapeake Bay Saltwater license you are good to go!

Ocean City has some special spots where waterfront fishing is absolutely free (no fishing license required)! All it takes to join in on the fun is a quick, totally gratis "registry"-- and lucky for you, it's really easy. Call 1-855-855-3906 between 7am and 7pm any day of the week. Free Fish Zones include the 3rd Street Pier and Northside Park at 125th Street.

Don't get in a tangle over Maryland's fishing license regulations! Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for information.